Your water heater does a lot for your home. It’s there on chilly winter nights to give you hot showers, and it’s also there throughout the rest of the year to clean your laundry and your dishes. Without immediate access to hot water, our lives would be a lot different!
So, it only makes sense that life would get stressful when your water heater develops problems. But figuring out whether you need repairs or water heater replacement in Bellingham is a whole complicated process that can be tricky to navigate. This blog post will center on telling whether your water heater needs to be replaced or repaired, and detail a few signs that can help you notice the difference.
Just remember–our team can do this for you! We can make suggestions and give you sound advice that’s good for your budget and your home efficiency. We’re a plumbing team you can trust.
1. Age of the Water Heater
The average lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is 8 to 12 years. If your unit is nearing or has surpassed this age, it’s likely time to consider a replacement. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
To check the age of your water heater, locate the serial number on the manufacturer’s label. The first two digits often indicate the year it was made!
2. Rusty Water or Rust Around the Tank
Rusty water coming from your hot water taps can be a sign of internal corrosion, especially if your home uses a steel tank. Rust around the tank’s fittings and the pressure relief valve is another red flag. Once rust starts to form, it usually signals that your tank is deteriorating from the inside, and you should replace it before it starts leaking.
3. Strange Noises Coming from the Heater
As water heaters age, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. When this sediment hardens, it can cause rumbling, popping, or banging noises as the water heater struggles to heat the water. If you hear these sounds frequently, it’s a sign that your water heater is nearing the end of its life and is losing efficiency.
4. Water Leaks Around the Tank
One of the clearest signs that your water heater needs replacement is leakage. Even minor leaks can escalate quickly, causing damage to your home’s floors, walls, and belongings. Inspect the area around your water heater for moisture or small puddles. If you notice water pooling, it’s best to shut off the unit and call a professional plumber to assess the situation.
5. Inconsistent or Insufficient Hot Water
A sudden lack of hot water or fluctuating temperatures could indicate that your water heater is struggling to keep up with demand. This may happen if the heating elements are failing or if the tank is too small for your household’s needs. If you frequently run out of hot water, consider upgrading to a larger or more energy-efficient model.
6. Increased Energy Bills
If your energy bills have been steadily increasing, your water heater might be working harder than it should. Older water heaters lose efficiency, consuming more energy to heat the same amount of water. Investing in a new, energy-efficient model can help reduce your utility bills while providing consistent hot water.
Our team of Home Performance Experts has served the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands since 1972 with a mission of Improving Lives™. We look forward to serving you too! Contact Barron Plumbing today for water heater replacement.